Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM) organised its 18 th Lal Bahadur Shastri National Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, Academics & Management last week in New Delhi. President of India, Mr. Ramnath Kovind was the Chief Guest at the awards ceremony where he presented an award to Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, a renowned social reformer and Founder of Sulabh International for his significant contribution towards regulating manual scavenging.
Addressing the awards ceremony, Kovind revived memories of Shri. Lal Bahadur Shastri (former Prime Minister of India). He mentioned that Shastri was an exceptional leader who practised simple living and fostered the idea behind ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’.
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Ram Nath Kovind termed Dr. Pathak as the most deserving person for the award named after Shri. Lal Bahadur Shastri. He further complimented LBSIM for awarding a person who has made vital contributions to the country.
The 74-year-old sociologist, Dr. Pathak has brought many revolutionary changes in the society. He has put into practice the ideas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. On April 14, 2016, Mayor of New York (Mr. Bill de Blasio) declared April 14 as ‘Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak International Day’. Dr. Pathak was also conferred Padma Bhushan by Government of India in 1991.
Dr. Pathak developed and implemented an affordable and appropriate toilet technology, i.e., Sulabh Shauchalaya system, which achieved worldwide recognition. He has also made vital contributions, particularly in the field of sanitation and hygiene. Dr. Pathak is also the brand ambassador of ‘Swachh Rail Mission’ of Indian Railways.